Overview

What is Environmental Geoscience at WVU like?

Description

Environmental Geoscience is a joint geology and geography major for students interested in geological and geographical approaches to environmental issues. The curriculum emphasizes the physical, human and spatial aspects of Earth and its environment. Students interested in geological and geographical approaches to environmental issues study how to positively affect the environment and find solutions to the problems around them.

Our graduates pursue careers in environmental remediation, land use planning, sustainability design, geographical information systems, environmental legislation and journalism. Geologists and geophysicists hold approximately 95,000 jobs nationwide. Energy and environmental companies employ about half of all geoscientists. Many other geologists work for consulting firms and business services, especially engineering firms, which often provide services to oil and gas companies.

Junior Preview Days Open Houses

High school juniors: Finding the right path can begin at Junior Preview Days, a series of open houses the week of Monday, April 15. Junior Preview Days are designed to help you explore the possibilities and set your sights on the future you’ve always imagined. Register today!

Transfer Articulation Agreements

Careers

What can you do with this degree?

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Environmental Geoscience major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Possible job titles for this career include: Enforcement Officer.

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.
Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Economist.

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Possible job titles for this career include: Chief, Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch.

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Specialist.

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Programs Specialist.

Measure, record, or evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect or evaluate core samples or cuttings.
Possible job titles for this career include: Field Engineer.

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Possible job titles for this career include: Geologist.

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Possible job titles for this career include: Ecologist.

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Program Manager.

Popular Courses

Introduction to global environmental systems operating on the earth's surface, emphasizing weather and climate, soils, natural vegetation, and geomorphology, and examination of human interaction with these natural processes.

Introduces the concept of natural resources and surveys such topics as land, soil, rangeland, forests, water, atmosphere, minerals, and energy. Emphasis is on the United States within the context of the global environment.

Basic theory, computer modeling, and use of gravitational, magnetic, resistivity, and electromagnetic methods in the evaluation or shallow targets of interest to environmental, hydrological, and hazardous waste site investigations.

Cost and Aid

How much does Environmental Geoscience at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2018-19 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current West Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Ways to Save

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. In addition to guaranteed admission agreements Environmental Geoscience has transfer articulation agreements with:

Related Programs

What other options does WVU have?

Geography opens worlds of discovery. You’ll learn to analyze the variation of human activity that exists among places, regions and countries, and examine the relationship between the natural environment and human activities.

Where is WVU?

West Virginia University located in Morgantown, is located about 70 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Close to D.C., Cleveland, and New York City, too. Fill in your address below to find out how close WVU is to you.